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There are, though, other possibilities that cater to the same kind of dual-purpose need. One can be ignored here (Suzuki’s Grand Vitara – it’s desperately outdated and its heavy-duty off-road abilities are probably a moot advantage for someone happily ensconced in the light-duty realm) but the other two mightn’t be so easy to pass up.

Jeep Compass Trailhawk, from $44,750

This range-topping Compass is all about off-road ability and it certainly delivers. Its ground clearance and approach/departure angles (225mm, 30.3 degrees and 33.6 degrees respectively) eclipse all rivals, and it throws in a lockable centre differential and switchable five-mode AWD system for good measure.

Other favourable aspects include a roomy, versatile cabin and user-friendly touch-screen infotainment setup. Its mandatory 2.0-litre diesel drivetrain is flexible and frugal (5.0L/100km), and Jeep is now throwing in a five-year warranty/fixed-price servicing deal to invite buyers to look past its historically pretty dubious ownership record.

But you need to fork out extra to get features that are typically standard for this money (autonomous emergency braking, leather, heated seats, etc). While it has no serious ride or handling niggles, it’s also no benchmark of driving flair, comfort or refinement. Flat seats and a vaguely cheap ambience knock the edge off its cabin.

Nissan X-Trail TL 4WD, from $47,790

The current X-Trail has less to offer than David’s model – and a Compass – off the beaten track. Its approach/departure angles are reduced (25.1 and 17.1 degrees respectively) and it now has an undesirable space-saver spare tyre.

Its 2.0-litre diesel drivetrain can feel a little flat off the mark and its handling is a little soft and imprecise. It needs more regular servicing than the Jeep (yearly/10,000km versus yearly/20,000km).

But good ground clearance (210mm) and a lockable AWD system mean its off-road ability is pretty decent in wider medium-SUV terms. Its cabin is roomier than the Jeep’s, its boot larger (565 litres versus 438) and the sense of quality runs deeper. It’s a quiet, comfortable drive and Nissan throws in six years of fixed-price servicing, plus – until November 30 – a five-year warranty (up from the usual three).

Subaru Forester 2.5i-S, price $41,490

This Subaru lacks a diesel option, which means less low-rev muscle and higher fuel consumption than its rivals here. Its three-year warranty/fixed-price servicing deal, with yearly/12,500km servicing intervals, looks a little weak in this company.

But its 2.5-litre petrol drivetrain is perky enough for most needs, more refined than a diesel and still quite thrifty (7.2L/100km). Its cabin is roomy, practical and has this group’s most upmarket ambience, and its boot competitively sized (498 litres). It’s surefooted and supple-riding on the tarmac, while good ground clearance (220mm), reasonable approach/departure angles (18.7 and 24.6 degrees respectively) and a clever multi-mode AWD system mean it isn’t afraid to get its feet dirty.

Because there’s no diesel premium to pay, it has this group’s lowest price yet kicks it with leather, auto emergency braking and plenty of other kit.

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If David is already stretching his current car’s off-road abilities, or would like to go even deeper into the wilderness, the go-almost-anywhere Jeep has more capability.

The Nissan and Subaru, however, are both more polished than their American rival and have stronger value, safety, quality and practical credentials. If David isn’t planning to venture into serious off-road territory, they start to look like a smarter choice.

Which one? Well, that might come down to something as simple as whether he’s prepared to stomach the wrong engine (Forester) or the wrong spare tyre (X-Trail), but we’d be tending towards slightly more rough-and-ready, sweeter driving and cheaper Subaru.

Comments7

Some guy — 25 Sep 2018 13:13

Hahahahaaa... all of the three above would be crap offroad... CVT's and low towing weights give you an idea of how crap the drivetrain is. Same money gets you a Izuzu MU-X which would be significantly more capable off road, ok not in the same category, but these three shouldn't go anywhere near anything 1/10th as serious as a proper off-road track.